County officials continue to monitor Hurricane Lester LIHUE – As Hurricane Lester approaches the island chain, county officials are urging residents and visitors to get prepared and stay informed. Oahu and Maui County are under a Hurricane Watch while the
County officials continue to monitor Hurricane Lester
LIHUE – As Hurricane Lester approaches the island chain, county officials are urging residents and visitors to get prepared and stay informed.
Oahu and Maui County are under a Hurricane Watch while the Watch was discontinued for Hawaii County. Kauai County has not been placed under a Hurricane Watch at this time, but the public is urged to remain vigilant.
“We urge residents and visitors to continue to monitor local media for weather updates and bulletins as Lester is expected to make its closest approach to Kauai County in the next 48 hours,” said Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr.
The latest forecast anticipates that Kauai County could feel effects of the storm — such as rain, high surf, and strong winds — as early as Saturday evening into Sunday morning, but forecast uncertainty remains high for Kauai at this time.
All east-facing shores of Kauai and Niihau are under a High Surf Advisory and a Small Craft Advisory remains in effect for all waters surrounding the state.
Weather products are expected to be modified as conditions develop. The public is advised to monitor local media for updates, or visit the National Weather Service website, www.weather.gov/hawaii.
Civil Defense officials are reminding the public to get emergency preparedness kits ready and make arrangements to shelter in place with family or friends throughout the duration of the storm, if necessary.
There are no plans to open shelters at this time; however, the county will work with the American Red Cross to open shelters on an as-needed basis.
Visitors are urged to confirm flight arrangements with their airlines prior to heading to the airport.
The state Department of Education announced that all Kauai Interscholastic Federation sporting events will continue as scheduled.
County officials are working with The Kauai Marathon organizers to monitor the potential impacts to the island. There have been no modifications to The Kauai Marathon schedule or course at this time, however, marathon officials will be keeping race participants updated on any changes to the event.
To sign up for Blackboard Connect, the county’s emergency notification service, go to www.kauai.gov, or call the Kauai Civil Defense Agency at 241-1800.
